Durham Auctions owner charged with embezzlement

A Forrest County businessman is free on $250,000 bond following his arrest on embezzlement charges.

Don Durham, owner of Durham Auctions on Hwy 49 south near Brooklyn, was arrested Friday by sheriff's deputies on embezzlement charges. The auction house conducts auctions for local, county and state governments as well as private individual sales.

WDAM has learned Durham is also being investigated by both the Louisiana and Mississippi auction boards. Durham and his associates reportedly owe the city of Kenner, La., over $500,000 as a result of a June 28 auction.

Kenner allegedly had surplus property, including FEMA trailers, to be auctioned. Sources said proceeds from the auction netted $531,000, $300,000 of which belongs to the federal government.

Sources added the city still has not received its money. The Mississippi Auction Board plans to hold a hearing September 8 into complaints against Durham Auctions.